FLASHBACK – 25 YEARS AGO: Rain reigns at Farrar Road where Giggs goes oh so close

LEAGUE OF WALES – JANUARY 5, 2001

Bangor City 0
Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 (Rain 1)

Report: Mike Smith, Citizens Choice website

January 5, 2001, was the date Nomads took maximum points at Farrar Road thanks to a very early goal from one of the League of Wales’ all-time highest scorers.

Stuart Rain, 10th on the all-time list with 150 goals, was the deciding factor in a game played on this date 25 years ago.

The crucial moment in this bottom of the table clash was over whilst most supporters were still taking their seats.

A mishit shot by Rain went between two home defenders and surprised an unsighted Paul Evans whose late dive was defeated by a high bounce at this right post.

On 10 minutes the keeper atoned for the error with a fine save from a Stuart Terry dipper.

City moved upfield midway through the half for Deiniol Graham to turn and cross for Scott Williams who saw his header fly over. The Bangor born midfielder then ran through the midfield to fire a 35 yard effort that keeper Phil Collister tipped for a corner.

In the final five minutes before the interval, Marc Lloyd Williams teed up a difficult chance back to goal but again just failed to hit the target. The first half saw an improved performance (again) from the defence, with Sean Hazelden looking a far more mobile and commanding figure.

HALF TIME 0-1

The second half began with Paul Roberts winning a midfield tackle to supply Graham but his shot went wide from 20 yards out.

On 55 minutes Richard Owen replaced the disappointing Steve Smith, whose right back berth was taken by Emrys Williams, Scott Williams moved to centre defence alongside Hazelden with Aled Rowlands moving to midfield to accommodate the young left-footer. Rowlands proceeded to run the show from the middle.

After an hour a moment of absolute class – and immense frustration – for Rhodri Giggs. Spotting Collister well of his line, the winger controlled a clearance and drifted a shot goalwards that had the keeper beaten.

Unfortunately at the last gasp the left post intervened then the ball ran along the goal-line before Lloyd Williams and then Graham just failed to convert. In the meanwhile Giggs had begun his celebrations – prematurely!

On 67 minutes Evans pulled off an excellent save from the impressive Steve Futcher who 30 yarder looked a goal all the way and repeated the feat with an athletic stop from Jamie Hughes in a one-on-one situation.

Ten minutes from time Evans again produced a good block from Rain, and with the early blemish behind him, came off his line to good effect and worked well with the rearguard.

In the closing stages Graham missed the proverbial sitter from close range, Giggs shot wide from 20 yards and Richard Owen capped a fine debut with a 20 yarder which Collister fumbled – but got away with.

No excuses or scapegoats today, just some poor finishing from – what would seem to be – a very experienced and potent strikeforce. Oh – and a bit of bad luck….

BANGOR CITY
Paul Evans, Steve Smith, Aled Rowlands, Emrys Williams, Sean Hazelden, Scott Williams, Clayton Blackmore, Marc Lloyd Williams, Robbie Williams, Rhodri Giggs, Deiniol Graham. Subs: Ricky Lampkin, Richard Owen, Karl Roberts.

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS
Phil Collister, Andy Thomas, Steve Hopkins, Craig Hutchinson, George Horan, Carl Smyth, Steve Futcher, Stuart Terry, Jamie Hughes, Jon Kenworthy, Stuart Rain. Subs: Paul Mazzarella, Dean Tuft, Andy Griffiths.